A must-see for Dollfie beginners!
What are Super Dollfie and Dollfie Dream?
From picking up your child to terminology
"Why does it move me so much, even though it's just a doll?"
This is a question that always comes to mind when people see Dollfie for the first time.
Dollfie is not just a doll.
It is an innovative ball-jointed doll (BJD) that was born in Japan in 1998.
It has pioneered a completely new genre that combines "dolls" and "figures."
Nowadays, there are enthusiasts all over the world,
There was a Guinness World Record of 3,282 bodies.
It has become an international cultural phenomenon.
However, for beginners, the world of Dollfie may seem a little unusual.
Why do we say "pick up" instead of "purchase"?
・What is the difference between Super Dollfie (SD) and Dollfie Dream (DD)?
-Why can the price be hundreds of thousands of yen?
- Are there any manners I should be aware of in the community?
In this article, I will share the knowledge of a collector with 25 years of Dollfie experience,
Based on the official information from the manufacturer, Volks,
We will explain everything beginners need to know in an easy-to-understand manner.
By the time you finish reading,
"I had no idea the world of dollfie was so deep!"
With this new discovery,
You'll be ready to be captivated by these beautiful dolls.
What is Dollfie? The revolutionary birth of ball-jointed dolls
"Doll + Figure" developed by Volks in 1998
A new genre born from a coined word
[Detailed content goes here...]
What is Dollfie?
The revolutionary birth of ball-jointed dolls
"Doll + Figure" developed by Volks in 1998
A new genre born from a coined word
"Why does a doll move me so much?"
It's a strange feeling that anyone who sees Dollfie for the first time always feels.
That's to be expected.
Dollfie is not just a "doll."
Dollfie = Doll + Figure
As this coinage suggests,
Created by Volks Zoukei-mura in Kyoto in 1998
It is the world's first customizable ball-jointed doll .
Traditional dolls were only meant to be enjoyed by looking at.
The figures were just meant to be displayed and admired.
But Dolphy is different.
"Another you that can give shape to your thoughts"
Change the makeup (face painting),
Choose your hair color and length
Coordinate your outfits and accessories,
You can even freely change the body shape and pose.
In other words, your ideals and imagination
It can be put into a beautiful 60cm doll.
It was a whole new hobby.
That's why, even now, 27 years later,
People all over the world continue to be captivated by Dollfie.
The History of Dollfie and Its Global Expansion
~Towards a global culture originating from Japan
27 years of evolution and the achievement of the Guinness World Record of 3,282
"A Guinness World Record for just a doll?"
If you think so, here's a surprising fact you should know.
December 22, 2013, Tokyo Big Sight
An incredible scene unfolded on this day.
"Longest line of dolls"
A total of 3,282 Dollfie figures lined up in a row, setting a new Guinness World Record .
But the real significance of this record isn't the numbers.
3,282 owners gathered with their beloved Dolphie
This fact speaks to the true value of Dolphy culture.
Why is it so loved?
The answer is that Dollfie is more than just a "product."
Each piece is handcrafted in a Kyoto workshop.
There are many places around the world that are known as "Tenshi no Sumika" and "Dolls Party."
We operate a network of specialty stores and events.
Currently, it is held four times a year in various parts of the world.
"The world's largest doll event"
Many enthusiasts from overseas also participate.
Indeed, Japanese culture has become the global standard
It's a rare success story.
Why is it loved all over the world?
Five reasons why Dollfie is so popular
Scientific analysis of customization, artistic value, and healing effects
"Why are you so obsessed with dolls?"
This is probably the biggest question for people who are unfamiliar with Dolphy.
In fact, there are five scientific and plausible reasons for this popularity.
Reason 1: "Ultimate customizability"
You can change makeup, wigs, clothes, poses, and even body shapes.
It's a unique experience that allows you to create your own ideal being .
Reason 2: "Beauty as a work of art"
Artisan-made makeup, glass eyes, and hair texture that feels like real hair.
It has an artistic quality that can truly be called a "moving work of art."
Reason 3: "Psychological healing effect"
The size that you can actually hug (approximately 60cm) is
This is the golden ratio that naturally brings out human "attachment behavior."
Reason 4: "The warmth of the community"
Owners from all over the world can share how cute their pets are,
Deep connections are formed that transcend age and borders.
Reason 5: "The joy of continuing to grow"
New clothes, new makeup, new poses.
There is a never-ending joy of raising things .
In other words, Dolphy
Creativity, artistry, healing, community, growth
Satisfy all of the fundamental human desires
It provides a "total enrichment of life."
Super Dollfie (SD) and
The Difference Between Dollfie Dream (DD)
Resin vs. Soft Vinyl: A Complete Comparison of Size, Price, and Features
"SD and DD, what's the difference?"
99% of beginners have this question.
In fact, these two are based on completely different concepts .
[Super Dollfie (SD)]
"The ultimate evolution of the traditional ball-jointed doll"
✨Material : Urethane resin (resin)
✨Characteristics : Firm, thick, translucent, beautiful skin
✨Size : Approx. 60cm (SD), Approx. 40cm (SDM)
✨Price range : 80,000 yen to 500,000 yen or more
✨Concept : "Another me" artwork
[Dollfie Dream (DD)]
"Dream dolls that recreate anime characters"
🌟Material : Soft vinyl (soft)
🌟Features : Beautiful anime girl, amazing mobility
Size : Approx. 57cm (DD), Approx. 43cm (MDD)
Price range : ¥30,000 to ¥150,000
🌟 Concept : "Living with dream characters"
Which one should you choose?
🎨Artistic focus/thorough development → SD
🎮Anime lovers and those who want to enjoy casually → DD
But there's no need to worry.
When you meet your "soulmate," all logic goes out the window.
Dollfie term "Omukae"
Meaning and Cultural Context
Why "receive" instead of "purchase"?
Omisora Thought and the Ceremony of the Advent of the Virgin Mary
"Why is it 'pick up' and not 'buy'?"
This is a feeling of discomfort that beginners always feel.
But when you understand the background of this word,
You will be impressed by the depth of Dollfie culture .
The true meaning of "Omukae"
Dollfie is not just a "product."
As a being with a soul called "Omitama" ,
It is believed that a bond that goes beyond family is formed between the owner and the dog.
In other words, you don't "purchase" a product,
We welcome a new family member .
The deeper meaning of the "Rite of the Advent of the Virgin Mary"
In Kyoto's "Tenshi no Sato,"
We offer a "welcome ceremony."
A solemn ceremony platform, a ceremony sequence, candlelight...
It's like celebrating a real birth or birth.
A sacred and moving ceremony takes place.
"Isn't that an exaggeration?"
You might think so.
However, the owner who actually experienced the ceremony said,
They say tears flow naturally .
Because at that moment
"The story with this child is about to begin."
Because I feel it from the bottom of my heart.
This is what Dollfie owners all over the world want
That's why we call it "family."
Mistakes that beginners should avoid
The dangers of "recasting"
How to distinguish between fakes and illegal copies and why doll owners are so angry
"I found a cheap Dollfie! Lucky me!"
Hold on, that might be fake.
In fact, nowadays, flea market apps and overseas sites
There are a lot of "recasts" (illegible copies) on the market.
[Urgent Warning] How to tell if a recast has occurred
⚠️The price is extremely low (less than 1/3 of the regular price)
⚠️ Labels such as "overseas-made SD" and "Korean-made dollfie"
⚠️New products sold outside of the official Volks store
⚠️Product images are reused official photos
⚠️No serial number or certificate listed
Why are doll owners so angry?
"It's fine if it's fake as long as it's cute."
That idea is dangerous.
Recasting destroys the livelihood of artisans and kills the culture itself .
Also the quality is the worst.
Peeling paint, broken joints, harmful chemicals...
Not only are there cases where people "penny wise, pound foolish," but there have also been reports of health problems .
Other mistakes beginners often make:
💥 Wrong size : Bigger/smaller than expected
💥 Total cost miscalculation : In addition to the doll itself, you need to pay for clothes and wigs.
💥Lack of storage space : 60cm of space is required
💥Inadequate color transfer prevention measures : Accidents where the color of clothing transfers to the skin
But it's okay.
With the right knowledge, you will definitely meet your soulmate.
Dollfie price market
Recommended selection guide for each budget
Full Choice Standard Model Explanation from 30,000 to 500,000 yen
"Honestly, how much does it cost?"
This is the biggest concern for beginners.
In the Dollfie industry, disclosing prices tends to be considered taboo,
A realistic budget is essential .
[Real Price Market 2025 Edition]
💰Standard Model (SD)
Main unit: 150,000 to 250,000 yen
Minimum required set: +30,000 yen
→ Total amount: 180,000 yen to 280,000 yen
💰Full Choice (SD)
Main unit: 250,000 to 500,000 yen or more
Options included: +50,000 to 100,000 yen
→ Total amount: 300,000 yen to 600,000 yen or more
💰 Dollfie Dream (DD)
Body: 30,000 to 80,000 yen
Minimum required set: +20,000 yen
→ Total amount: 50,000 to 100,000 yen
Did you think it was too expensive?
But think about it.
Each piece is handcrafted by artisans in Kyoto.
A work of art that will continue to be loved for 10 or 20 years.
If you divide it up by month, it actually comes to about 2,000 yen per month .
[Recommended strategies by budget]
🎯 ¥50,000 Budget : MDD (Mini Dollfie Dream)
🎯 ¥100,000 budget : Used DD in good condition or new entry
🎯 ¥200,000 budget : A good used SD card or a full set of DD cards
🎯 Over 300,000 yen : Full choice of SD cards or multiple SD cards
The important thing is not to reach too far .
Start with a reasonable size first,
Please enjoy its charm to the fullest.
First Dollfie "reception" procedure
What you need
Everything you need to know about the Tenshi-no-Sumika Online Ceremony Experience
"Where and how can I buy it?"
This is the moment when beginners get confused.
But don't worry.
The regular route is surprisingly simple .
There are only three ways to pick them up:
🏪 ① Tenshi no Sumika (physical store)
13 stores nationwide, so you can see the actual product and make a choice with peace of mind
With the advice of our staff, you won't go wrong
→ Highly recommended for beginners
💻 ②Online Store
Orders can be placed 24 hours a day, and shipping is free to your home
Easy inventory check
→ For those who don't have a store nearby
🎪 ③Dolls Party (Event)
Four special events a year, limited edition items
A community experience at the same time
→ For advanced users
What you need on the day of pick-up:
📋Absolutely necessary
・Identification documents (only available to purchasers aged 15 and over)
・Budget (Credit cards are OK)
・Large bag (for 60cm boxes)
📋It 's useful to have
・Smartphone (for taking photos)
- Tape measure (to check the installation location)
・Question notes (what you want to ask)
[An emotional welcoming ceremony experience]
In Kyoto's "Tenshi no Sato"
You can experience the "welcoming ceremony" by reservation only.
Solemn music, candlelight,
And while listening to the thoughts that the craftsmen put into it...
"From this moment on, your story begins."
Many people were moved to tears by the unexpectedly moving performance.
Common mistakes made by Dollfie beginners
Trouble avoidance techniques
A complete guide to color transfer, damage, and wig problems: examples and solutions
"Wow, I did it..."
This is a path that all beginners must take after adopting a pet.
But it's okay.
If you learn from the mistakes of your predecessors, you can avoid making the same mistakes.
[Failure story 1: Color transfer hell]
💥 Mr. A's experience
"When I put him in blue clothes, his chest turned navy blue... I cried."
🛡️Measures
- Wear body tights (to prevent color transfer)
・New clothes must be tested for colorfastness
・In case of emergency, remove it with "Dream Rescue"
[Failure story 2: Failing to put on a wig]
💥 Mr. B's experience
"The wig won't fit... my hair is all messed up."
🛡️Measures
- Use a snug ring (size adjustment)
・Protect your hair with a head cap
・Learn from the store clerk at first
[Failure story 3: Misplaced storage location]
💥 C's experience
"Direct sunlight turns yellow... ruining high-end dolls"
🛡️Measures
・Direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity are absolutely prohibited
- Dedicated stand prevents tipping
・Maintain beauty with regular cleaning
[Failure story 4: Over-budget swamp]
💥 Mr. D's experience
"Clothes, wigs, accessories...before you know it, the price has doubled."
🛡️Measures
Start with a minimal set
- Decide on a monthly clothing budget
・Handmade is also one of the pleasures
But remember:
Failures are part of the fun of Dollfie life .
We don't strive for perfection, we grow together.
That's the biggest attraction of this hobby.
Enrich your Dollfie life
10 ways to enjoy
Photography, event participation, community, and future expansion
What should I do for fun after I welcome you?
Actually, how to enjoy Dollfie
It's infinitely more than you can imagine .
[10 Fun Things to Do in Dollfie Life]
📸 ①The Art of Photography
Share "My child is cute" on social media
Expressive with seasonal backgrounds
👗 ②Fashion Coordination
Pursuing fashion that rivals that of other humans
From branded clothing to handmade items
🎨③Makeup Art
Change your facial expression and even your personality
Professional-grade technology for unparalleled beauty
🏡 ④ Dollhouse Diorama Making
Recreating a realistic living space
My interest in interior design also blossomed.
🎪 ⑤Participate in the Dolls Party
Interact with like-minded people at four annual festivals
Encounter with limited edition items
✍️ ⑥Creation/Storytelling
Original character settings
Increased motivation to write novels and manga
🤝 ⑦Online Community
Exchange information with owners from all over the world
Friendships that transcend age and borders
🛠️ ⑧DIY & Handcrafts
Increase your dexterity by making clothes and accessories
Experience the warmth of handmade items
🌸 9. Enjoy seasonal events
Cherry blossom viewing, summer festivals, Christmas...
Every day of the year is a special occasion
💫 ⑩ Deepening your philosophy of life
"What is beauty?" "What is love?"
Deep contemplation through dolls
What's amazing is that many owners say it has changed their lives .
Creativity, aesthetic sense, communication skills...
Dollfie will help you unleash your hidden talents
They are partners in life .
For Dollfie Beginners
Complete "First 30 Days" Roadmap
A detailed schedule and preparation list from the day of adoption until one month later
"I've welcomed you, but where do I start?"
For such beginners,
Full support for the first 30 days .
[From the day of pick-up to the third day]
🎯Things to do
・Unboxing ceremony (photography recommended)
・Practice basic poses
・Think of a name (important!)
📝Things to prepare
・Doll stand (to prevent tipping)
・Body tights (prevents color transfer)
・One basic outfit
[Week 1]
🎯Things to do
・Try changing your wig
・Try changing the eye color
・First photo shoot
📚What you'll learn
Basic joint movements
・How to change clothes
・Basic care
[Week 2]
🎯Things to do
・SNS debut (#MyPetIsCute)
・First time going out for a photo shoot
・Participate in online communities
🛒Shopping List
・One seasonal outfit
・Small items (hats, accessories)
・Background for photography
[3rd to 4th week]
🎯Things to do
・Consider changing your makeup
・Collecting information about dolls parties
・Interacting with other owners
📈Step Up
・Try making handmade accessories
・Improvement of photography skills
・Deepening character settings
[Goals to achieve in 30 days]
✅ Able to provide basic care
✅ Growing up as a unique "child"
✅ I've made some Dollfie friends
✅ I'm considering getting my next pet(!)
Don't worry, you will definitely be affected by this magic .
And then you'll realize.
"Dolphy is not a hobby, it's a way of life."
Dollfie Terminology Dictionary and
50 Q&As for Beginners
Complete explanation of industry terms such as "Tenshi no Sumika" (Angel's Home), "Full Choice" and "Yellowing"
"I don't understand the words that everyone uses so naturally..."
This is a hurdle that all beginners must pass.
But it's okay.
With this dictionary, you'll be an industry insider starting tomorrow .
[20 Essential Technical Terms]
🏪Angel 's Home
→ Volks' Dollfie specialty store
🎨Full Choice
→ Select all parts to order
⚠️Yellowing
→ Resin deteriorates over time and turns yellow.
👕Dress
→ Dollfie clothes (for both men and women)
👁️I
→ Eye parts (glass, acrylic, etc.)
💇Wig
→ Wig (hair)
🎭Head
→ Facial parts
🦴Body
→ Body parts
🎨Makeup
→ Face painting
📏Stand
→ Stand for standing
Top 5 questions from beginners
❓ Q1: Why do you say "Omukae" so many times?
💡 A1: Dollfie are not just products, but beings with souls (omitama) that you welcome into your home. It's the same concept as welcoming a member into your family.
❓ Q2: Isn't it too expensive?
💡 A2: It's a work of art handmade by artisans in Kyoto, and considering that you can use it for over 10 years, it only costs a few thousand yen in monthly installments. It's a lifetime investment.
❓ Q3: Is it okay for men?
💡 A3: Of course. There are many male owners overseas, so age, gender, and nationality don't matter.
❓ Q4: How many do you have?
💡 A4: Some people have just one, while others have over 100. What's important is not the number, but the love.
❓ Q5: Don't you get bored?
💡 A5: Quite the opposite. Makeup changes, clothes making, photography, community...the possibilities for fun are endless.
Finally, something important.
There is no "right answer" in the world of Dollfie.
Find your own way of loving and enjoying
Start your wonderful Dollfie life.
Surely, life will become more beautiful and richer .
Why not try entering the world of Dollfie?
Read this complete guide
Did you feel the deep charm of Dollfie?
The reason why it has been loved for 27 years
The bond that created the Guinness World Record with 3,282 bodies worldwide.
And the beautiful culture of "Omukae"...
It's all about making your life better .
The first step is to visit your nearest Tenshi-no-Sumika.
So the moment I saw the real thing,
You're sure to meet your soulmate.
New family, new hobbies, new friends,
And meeting a new me
I'm waiting for you.
Welcome to Dollfie World.
This is the beginning of a wonderful Dollfie life.
